Ben Smith End Of Season Q&A | 02.06.2025 |

Reserves defender Ben Smith reflects on the season and discusses how the Academy has progressed in the last few seasons. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

BS: In my opinion it was a great season for a team perspective I wasn’t here before December as you know but I watched a few games before then and from then to now yoh would think its a different team the way we play and results we have got prove just why reserves teams like us deserve to be in the league we are and deserve to be taken more seriously.  

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

BS: It was a topsy turvy one for me to put it straight haha, started off the season at another club didn’t fully work out had some great experiences though but just wasn’t to be however I came back to Needham around Christmas and my season was only on the up from that point it helped me a lot coming back and being settled again so in the end the season was a success. 

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season, what are they and why? 

BS: Firstly I'd say making my Fa cup debut would be one as it’s such a prestigious competition across England and to say you’ve played it in it’s a nice feeling, secondly on a personal note playing so many games alongside your brother is a big one for me we’ve grown up together and learnt everything kind of together is massive, Thirdly, getting to a record points tally with the ressies is a great achievement for a group so young most being there first year in the men’s game it felt good to be a part of something that helped towards that and lastly although not really my own highlight seeing the 18’s beat Sudbury and won the 18’s cup was so nice to see knowing you play with them boys every week you can feel a bit part of helping them on there way to that and who doesn’t love a win against Sudbury in a big game hey!  

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

BS: Has to be the last two games of the season I would say beating Leiston and Sudbury back to back in the space of 3 days felt good because as everyone knows they're the two teams around the area with the same set up as us and the end of the season games is when you can see the true level of teams and we proved we can beat them both comfortably. 

DK: Having played for the Academy for a few seasons now, how would you describe the progress not just yourself individually but as a team?

BS: I’ve loved playing for the academy every year I’ve been here but in terms of development this year has to be the best year I’ve seen come from what most would say was being maybe afraid of the step up to now the boys embrace everything and I think we can be up there next season. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

BS: For me I want to be the best version of myself and be the fittest fastest strongest version of myself for everyone to see and make a difference to the team next year, of course you have your personal targets of aiming to fight for a chance higher up with the firsts but I know there’s work to do to get to that point and i believe im in the right place with the right coaches to help me achieve that and help push me in that direction. And of course I'd love the ressies to finish in and around mid table we are more than capable and i beleive we will smash it this season Here’s to another good season and a lot of success 👊🏻. 

Kellen Fiddy | End Of Season Q&A | 01.06.2025 |

Kellen Fiddy reflects on the season for the Academy. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective? 

KF: This season has been a real good learning experience for all of us boys making the big step up from youth football into the men’s game which was definitely tough and we did struggle for the first half of the season, we were a bit hard dons by with the amount of injuries we faced which I struggled with myself however that’s part of football and the good squad depth throughout the under18s and reserves had to play a part. The coaching staff have taught everyone of us a lot and given us the best possible advice for a positive outcome. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point? 

KF: For me this season has been very tough, being out for 6 months of the season after working hard over the summer to perform and show my abilities, having to watch training and games from the sidelines wasn’t a nice feeling but the help from Manty and Ben and support from the lads helped me get back out there as quick as possible, I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give next season and express more of my qualities.

DK: Can you pick 3 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

KF: My first highlight would be my first game back from injury for the reserves, we played Framlingam away which is by no means an easy game and to score on my return in a well fought 2-2 draw is definitely a personal highlight. Another highlight has to be the Midweek cup final Win on penalties, what an achievement for the club and i couldn’t imagine a better group of lads and staff to win it with. Heading back to the pre season Trip in July we had a good few days in Wales training and playing a team out there which was a quality experience and definitely brought the team closer together. 

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

KF: Yeah, what a feeling to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk under 18s cup it was a really proud moment for us boys and it’s nice heading into the off-season with some silverware to show for the amount of effort everyone involved has put in over the course of the season, we are hungry to retain our status as holders and we have go out this season looking to win it again..

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout? 

KF: Walking up to the spot you have to be confident try and block out all other noise and focus on your technique and where you’re going to put it however i couldn’t help but think back to my miss in the semi final, however i used it to motivate me to make sure i finished this one off as i knew the horrible feeing of missing.

DK:How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

KFb Yeah a feeling of accomplishment and relief after i slotted my penalty in the final, after missing mine in the semi final that feeling still looked over me, however i trusted in my confidence and abilities to put the ball in the back of the net from 12 yards, taking the 6th penalty really has some pressure as if i had’ve missed that would’ve been it.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

KF: Yeah i think the main game this season that stood out has to be the cup final the hard work everyone put into it we felt like we deserved the victory in the end. I’m very proud of everyone and we got from it what we put in, and you only win trophies if you’re work ethic is top level throughout the whole season so yeah a big credit to everyone involved and we’re all looking forward to next season.

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

KF: Next season my main aim is to continue to work hard throughout every training session and game giving my everything to stay Fit and contribute as much as possible to the team which is a non negotiable really, however i would like to reach double figures in both goals and assists, as a midfielder i need to keep getting my numbers up to cement my place in the team which is ultimately what everyone is working for.

Charlie Smy | End Of Season Q&A #2 | 10.05.2025 |

Academy midfielder Charlie Smy reflects on the season, including winning Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

CS: I think this season has been very good from a team perspective, mostly because of all the lads being 16 and coming into a tough men’s league and being able adapt fairly well to the challenge. The improvement from the start of the season to the end was quite evident as in the last 15 or so games, we managed to get some half decent results against some very good teams including wins over our rivals Sudbury and Leiston. 

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

CS: From a personal perspective, I’ve really enjoyed this season especially as it’s my first in men’s football. I feel that I’ve learnt a lot from my coaches and have experienced some very good moments with a great group of lads, such as winning the county cup at Colchester's stadium.

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why? 

CS: The first highlight from our season I would say is our first reserve win against Dussindale, it was big 3 points and a great show of character from the boys. The second has got to be our fa youth cup run, as we beat some very good teams in the competition and were one game off the first round. My third highlight of the season was our county cup quarter final game against Lowestoft as we had a few key player missing for this game and were up against a strong side who we managed to beat 4:0. My fourth and final highlight for the season is pretty self explanatory as it’s the county cup final against Sudbury. This win was a great achievement for the boys playing in a great stadium in front of a good amount of fans, something I’m sure all of us will remember for a long time.

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling to win such an important game on such a big stage and it’s even more special for the team being the first Needham team to lift the cup in the clubs history. The experience of playing in a great stadium like Colchester and winning is something everyone involved will always remember.

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout?

CS: I tried to treat the game like any other and just enjoy being able to have the opportunity to play in such a big game in front of a decent crowd. During the shootout obviously I was a bit nervous but I backed the boys throughout and was obviously buzzing to get the win.

DK: How did it it feel to score a penalty in the final? 

CS: It’s an unbelievable feeling and such a relief seeing the ball hit the back of the net.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

CS: The main standout game from the season is always going to be the win in the final especially as we were 2:0 down and Showed great character to get back into the game. It was a very entertaining game with loads of different emotions , with us coming out on top and winning on pens. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

CS: For the 18s, I’d really like to get to the first round in the fa youth cup and be able to play against a good pro academy team. For the reserves our target is to carry on our form from the end of last season into the start of next season seeing how high we can get up the table.

DK: Congratulations on winning a couple of awards at Presentation Night, how proud and delighted are you to have been recognised within your team?

CS: Yeah, its a very good feeling and is something I’m proud of. It means a lot coming from the team as well.

Brad Smith | End of Season Q&A | 09.05.2025 |

Reserves/Under-18's defender Brad Smith reflects on the season. 

DK: What did you make of the season from a team perspective?

BS: It’s been a season full of positives from a team perspective the lads have come along way from the first day we came in for pre-season and it’s really shown the progression we’ve made from the last 6 or 7 results for the reserves. It’s a real positive going into next year because we can really push on as a team and challenge every team in the league.  

DK: How would you sum up the season from a personal view point?

BS: I feel it’s been a really positive season for me and I’ve learnt a lot about my own game and feel like I’ve developed massively throughout the year. I’ve really enjoyed this season working with a top group of lads and a group of coaches who put a lot of work in for us and push us to the max.

DK: Can you pick 4 highlights from the season (Res/U18s), what are they and why?

BS: Winning our first reserves game was a great feeling within the group because it showed we could put up a fight. Then the fa youth cup run was a great experience for all of the lads a few tough games and then going and experiencing a completely different environment where there was a lot of pressure on the lads away infront of a fair few fans. Then the last two reserves game were top beating two rivals and really showing how much we’d come on as a team. And then I think the obvious one is winning the u18 county cup for the first time in the clubs history it was a massive achievement for the lads and you don’t get many nights like that in football so it was special.

DK: How did it feel to be the first Needham side to lift the Suffolk U18 Midweek Cup and what did you think of the Final?

BS: It’s an unbelievable feeling and one that the whole group should be so proud of being a mix of 1st years and u16 players against a near enough full side of second years. It was a lively game, took us lads 15 minutes to wake up but after that I thought we took good control of the game and created a lot of opportunities but we couldn’t quite capitalise to finish the game off but to go on and win on penalties is the best feeling u can have in football.

DK: What was going through your mind during the game/shootout?

BS: For me it was just playing the game like it was any other and not thinking of the occasion because if u focus on where u are and what’s at stake that’s when the nerves start to kick in but I thought the lads handled the situation very well and all had a great mentality going into the game.

DK: Did they score/take a pen - if so No.5 but also how did it feel to do so?

BS: Scoring a penalty in that kind of game and moment in the shootout is just such a relief and when u see the keepers dived the other way you know u can relax and the pressure goes back onto them. So it’s an unbelievable feeling.

DK: Did any games standout to you from this season?

BS: I’d struggle to pick out a standout game from the whole season but there’s been a lot of occasions where we’ve come back from behind and won games but I think just because of the occasion it was in I’d have to say the final because it showed real character from the lads to not drop in the moment when we went 2-0 down and come back from that to go on and win the game so that was a standout for me. 

DK: What targets do you have for next season?

BS: My targets for next year stay the same really go and win the county cup with the 18s again, go on another fa youth cup run, and carry on the form we’ve been in for the reserves and see how high we can finish in the table. Because I think the lads can really kick on now and could have a really good year together next year.

REACTION | Evan Gledhill, Brad Smith Post Match Interviews | 18.01.2025 | Swaffham Town v Needham Market Reserves |

Defender Brad Smith reflects on yesterday's win at Swaffham Town for the Reserves. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

BS: Thanks mate, yeah buzzing with the result it was a huge game for us and a very much needed 3 points, it was a different type of game for us lads we had to adapt to playing a more direct style of play on a poor surface so the team did really well to adapt in that sense. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, keeping a clean sheet as part of a CB partnership with your brother? 

BS: Yeah it’s always a lovely extra to keep a clean sheet on top of 3 points and to do that playing next to your brother is always going to be special and I feel like with a few players out the whole back line upped our game massively and showed we all have the versatility to play in slightly different positions to what we might normally be so it was a great clean sheet.

DK: Having played a few games together already in defence, where does this rank in your personal footballing achievements so far?

BS: Yeah it’s a good achievement a nice moment for my family personally sure mum and dad would’ve loved seeing me and Ben playing next to eachother so as a personal achievement it’s high up the order.

 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

BS: Yeah its been a great week for the lads again putting a statement out on Thursday night in the 18s league and then today showing we don’t deserve to be in the position we are in the league and that we’ve still got a lot left to play for in the second half of the season. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

BS: Another huge game for us in a lower half of the table scrap a game that we need to win to get ourselves out the situation we are in at the moment. I’m expecting a similar sort of game to today and hopefully the lads can put together another good performance and get the result we need.

Hat-trick hero Evan Gledhill discusses yesterday's win on the road. 

DK: Congratulations on a massive win away from home, you must be buzzing with the result and team performance?

EG: Yeah absolutely buzzing with the result, we knew that we needed to get a result today to carry on our good form. The lads had to dig deep at the start of the second half but once we weathered the storm the goals start flowing. 

DK: Equally a brilliant day for you, netting an important hat-trick, you must be proud?

EG: Yeah really good feeling getting my first hatrick in men’s football and it’s a real confidence boost and hopefully can take that into the next game. 

DK: Talk us through your 3 goals today, and what was going through your mind when you completed your hat-trick?

EG: I feel like the 3 goals where at very important time the first one came when we was applying a lot of pressure in the first half and we creating chances so was good to get the first goal in the game. The second I thought was the most important one as it was a quite nervy game at this point as it was only 1-0 and Swaffham were creating some chances and so was good to get the 2 goal advantage after a great cross from Adz and the third goal was like the cherry on the cake making it 4-0 and sealing the hat-trick. 

DK: After scoring 12 unanswered goals in a less than 48 hours, both personally and as a team you must be full of confidence? 

EG: Yeah 2 great results for the lads in the last 48hours and will give us loads of confidence going into the next week of games with a tough game against Wanderers for the u18s on Wednesday and a must win game against Haverhill on the Saturday. 

DK: How have you found this season, personally? 

EG: Personally for me this season playing for the reserves I have really enjoyed the challenge of men’s football and I feel like me and the lads have learnt so much and are now deservingly getting results. 

DK: Another massive game next week, at home to Haverhill Borough, what type of game are you expecting?

EG: Yeah, I think Haverhill will be a tough game but being at home which is where I think we play are best football I think we will be able to get the job done. We know that they aren’t a bad side and very young team like ourselves so will be a very energetic fast paced game but hopefully we can pick up another 3 points. 

REACTION | Brad Smith, Ben Smith Post Match Interviews | Needham Market Reserves v Holland | 14.12.2024 |

Brothers Brad and Ben Smith reflect on yesterday's 4-0 home win for the Reserves. 

DK: First of all, congratulations on today's excellent win, you must be delighted?

Brad: Yeah I’m buzzing it’s been something I feel is long overdue for the lads to get a good result and even better considering the result when we played them at their place so a good day all round. 

Ben: Cheers mate, yeah think all of the boys are buzzing it’s been a few weeks coming now where the results haven’t shown the performance levels but today we got what we deserved.

DK: It sounds like a clinical, resolute all round team performance, would you agree?

Brad: Yeah I think clinical sums it up really as I think we didn’t play as well in possession as we have in recent weeks but we took the chances we had very well two set pieces and two great goals from Ev(an Gledhill) and Ads (Adam Edser).

Ben: Yeah totally agree felt we took our chances when they came and defended really well all game limiting them to not a lot at all.

DK: How's it felt to be back at Needham over the last few weeks, Ben? 

Ben: I'm buzzing to be back! I’ve gained experience and learned a lot over my few months away from the club but love being back feels like i’m home again!

DK: How's it felt to be back playing with your brother, and both keeping an important clean sheet today?

Brad: Yeah Ben's been a good addition back into the side, a position that we had been weaker in early in the season and I think him and Olly have been a great partnership so far. A clean sheet is always a nice bonus on top of three points. 

Ben: Yeah it was great to keep a clean sheet today like I said the performances of late have deserved the clean sheet and the result today. Doing it with your brother in the same back line will always be a special feeling too.

DK: Today must feel even more special given that the last few weeks you've put in brilliant performances against teams towards the top of the table and been unlucky to get a result?

Brad: Yeah the lads have been really good in the last few weeks and we’ve got unlucky to not take home more points than we have but a win today puts us on the right track and hopefully we can build from that going into the second half of the season.

Ben: Yeah exsclty just reiterating my previous points that over the last 3 weeks performances haven’t warranted a lot more points and today showed exactly why we all believe we can get out of the situation we are in.

DK: It's Stanway Pegasus away next week to finish off 2024, what type of game are you expecting?

Brad: Any game away from home is always going to be tougher and stanway are a good side who are fighting at the top of table. But I feel if the boys being their a-game and play like we did today we have a good chance of turning anyone in the league over so looking forward to it and hopefully can finish off 2024 with 3 points.

Ben: Stanway are always a great team in this league as proved this season with being high up in the table but if we can keep our levels up with how they were today i think we can finish off 2024 with another 3 points no matter who we play i think the levels we can reach like we did today we can beat anyone in this league.

DK: How have you found this season from a personal perspective?

Ben: This season has been a roller coaster for me personally having been at 3 clubs now i’ve learnt a lot from being at woodbridge and stowmarket and am very grateful to both clubs for the experience they gave me but the best thing for me was coming back here for the rest of the season and maybe even further in the future i’m loving my football again now and am looking forward to hopefully a really strong 2025 and all of us coming together to get us out of the bottom 3.

Charlie Smy | Needham Market Reserves v FC Peterborough | 26.10.2024 |

Reserves midfielder Charlie Smy reflects on yesterday's 2-2 draw at home.

DK: A good result today, what did you make of it?

CS: Yes very good result for the team today against a good footballing side. A point that the boys are really pleased with and that I feel we deserved.

DK: An important goal for you, what was going through your mind as it happened?

CS: I saw the ball fall to me from a deflection and it was just instinct to hit it first time to try and work the keeper.

DK: It must be even more pleasing to have picked up a great result against 6th placed?

CS: Yes as I’ve said before it’s a huge point for us as a team and it’s a result we are very happy with against a team that will definitely be up there this season.

DK: Up next, a trip to Holbeach, with an opportunity to hopefully build on today's draw?

CS: Yes hopefully we can carry on our momentum from today against what will be another tough test.

DK: Overall, how are you finding the season from a personal perspective?

CS: I’m really enjoying my first season in men’s football. Even though results haven’t always gone our way I feel that we’re learning from each game and are still trying to play football the right way.

REACTION | Brad Smith | Needham Market Reserves v Framlingham Town | 12.10.2024 |

Click here to Read Goalkeeper Roan Tucker's thoughts on the upcoming FA Youth Cup game.

Reserves defender Brad Smith reflects on yesterday's draw.

DK: A good result today against a team chasing a play-off place, you must be pleased?

BS: Yeah it’s a great result for us especially against a top end side and a good result was definitely deserved after a tough period for us.

DK: How would you assess the performance as a team today?

BS: I think as a team we battled through difficult stages of the game well and come back from them well. First 20-25 minutes thought we were the better side and then conceded and from that point I’d say up until the 60 minute mark we were very strong defensively stopping them from going further ahead. Then showed good character to come through and score a late equaliser. It was well deserved as we showed great character defensively to give us the opportunity to come out with a point and Pitty popped up and poked one home when we needed it.

DK: How do you feel the season is going both for you personally and as a team?

BS: It's been a season full of ups and downs at a very early stage as a young side trying to adapt to the league so it’s been a slow start points wise, but I feel like as the season continues we’ll grow stronger and stronger. On a personal note my main objective is to continue to progress as a player and continue to battle on no matter what the situation is.

DK: Next up on Wednesday, a big game for the U18s in the FA Youth Cup, what are you lads expecting from the game?

BS: Yeah it’s a huge opportunity for us lads to put ourselves in the hat for the first official round and I think me and all the lads are buzzing for the occasion. And it’s nice to be involved in a game like that.

DK: Equally how excited are you for the game, travelling hopefully with a full coach?

BS: I can’t wait it’s one of the biggest games I’ve played in on a personal note and I’m sure it will make the occasion seem even more special for the lads travelling up as a team and hopefully a coach full of fans.

PREVIEW | Roan Tucker 09.10.2024 | Needham Market Reserves v Framlingham Town 12.10.2024 |

Goalkeeper Roan Tucker previews the Reserves clash with Framlingham Town and Wednesday's FA Youth Cup trip to AFC Dunstable.

DK: A tough test ahead against Play-Off chasing Framlingham, but I'm sure one you're relishing?

RT: Yeah I mean it will be a tough game but I back us against anyone in this league at home and think we can get some points on the board.

DK: How do you feel the season is going, both as a team and personally for the Reserves?

RT: Yeah I am really enjoying this season I think we have been really unlucky with some of the reserve results but I think we will pick up momentum and still have faith for the rest of the season.

DK: Although you've only played 3 (including cup) U18s games this season, both individually and as a team would you say it's been a perfect start?

RT: Yeah we have been flying for the u18 and I think we have a really good group this year and our fa youth cup run has been amazing so far and had a great night last Thursday and hope it can continue on Wednesday away to AFC Dunstable.

DK: After this weekend, you're back in FA Youth Cup action, on the road which will hopefully be just as good as the last round?

RT: Yeah like I said the last round was amazing it was a great night and I am really confident going into next Wednesday as the boys are really working hard in training and games and it’s really paying off in the u18 games this year.

DK: What would you deem as success with both the Reserves and U18s this season?

RT: I think the u18s can definitely win the league this year if they maintain the same standards and consistency they have shown so far and I think with the reserves it’s not necessarily about the results but just improving as a team and sticking to the principles we are being given and improving individuals ready for the next step.

Ollie Fenn | Reserves Weekly Reaction | Gorleston Reserves (H) | 31.08.2024 |

Reserve Team captain Ollie Fenn reflects on the first month of the season.

DK: What did you make of today's result and performance?

OF: We were disappointed with the result today and performance wise it was probably our poorest that I’ve been involved in but that can happen and it’s still early on in the season and we’re a new group. 

DK: Regardless of today, you must be pleased though with the last few results and performances?

OF: It has been pleasing overall, particularly the performances and the attitude and application the lads have shown. Results wise, we’ve probably dropped 4 points at home which is frustrating but it’s all about learning from those experiences. 

DK: Would you say it's been a positive first month of the season?

OF: We would have liked more points for sure but it’s been a positive start and one we plan to build on. 

DK: For you as captain, what's pleased you most so far this season?

OF: I think the lads have adapted well to senior football as a whole but the most pleasing thing for me in the hunger they have shown against more experienced players and teams. 

DK: Back at home Tuesday against Whitton, in a very local game, what are you expecting from the game?

OF: Another tough game, we know there won’t be any easy ones this season but if we perform well and execute what is asked of us then we’re confident we can compete with anyone in the league. All focus is on ourselves.,

James Coton | NM Reserves Weekly Reaction | Whittlesey Athletic (H) 24.08.2024 |

Reserves Team Goalscorer James Coton reflects on yesterday's (Saturday 24th August) draw at home to Whittlesey Athletic.

DK: What did you make of today's draw, both the team's and your personal performance?

JC: Todays draw was more than deserved as I think that me and the boys worked really hard and were unlucky not to win the game as we created lots of chances and defended well. I was also pleased with my individual performance and to get the goal to help the team get a well deserved point. 

DK: You must be pleased to have got on the score-sheet today?

JC: I am pleased to get on the score sheet today as it helped the team secure a point and has given me confidence for the following games ahead.

DK: Can you talk us through your goal?

JC: The ball fell to me just inside the box I beat a defender and put it into the bottom right corner.

DK: How do you feel the season has started for you lads so far, building some good momentum?

JC: The start of the season has not been easy for us as we are all very young and are adapting to men’s football. I think we have learned a lot over the first few games and it is nice to gain a bit of momentum having won last week and getting a well earned draw this week. 

DK: Another home game for you guys on Saturday, how do you see that?

JC: Playing at home is always nice as it gives us an advantage as we are used to the surroundings. I think Saturday will be another hard game as no game is easy but I am looking forward to it.

Roan Tucker | Weekly Reserves Reaction | 17.08.2024 |

Goalkeeper, and Man Of The Match, Roan Tucker talks about Saturday's away win for James Mant's side, reflects on the start of the season so far, and previews next Saturday's home game.

DK: A big win for you guys on the road, you must be pleased with that result and performance?

RT: Yeah absolutely buzzing the boys really dug deep towards the end and put in a real shift today.

DK: I'm told you had an incredible game, how did you find it from a personal perspective?

RT: Yeah really pleased with my personal performance really happy with my penalty save there’s no better feeling and felt I showcased my ability well.

DK: A well earned first win for you guys in the league, to do so with limited numbers must make it even better?

RT: Yeah like I said the boys put in a real shift and a couple players played through knocks and some playing out of position it really helped the boys get over the line.

DK: It must be even more pleasing to win on the road?

RT: Yeah I mean it’s a great feeling to go away from home and take three points hopefully we will be able to keep up the away form throughout the season.

DK: How has the start of the season been for both you personally and the team?

RT: It’s had its challenges but from my perspective I’ve really enjoyed it and the boys are playing good football and creating good chances so I am very hopeful for the season ahead.

DK: Back at home on Saturday for you, what kind of game are you expecting?

RT: Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the next game every game in this league is tough but I am confident.

Ollie Fenn | Needham Market Reserves Weekly Reaction | NM Res V Swaffham Town | 03.08.2024 |

Reserve Team captain Ollie Fenn talks about being back at the club and gives his thoughts on the opening week of the season. 

DK: First of all, how does it feel to be back at the club?

OF:  It’s great to be back at the club, I had some great years here before and it’s nice to see some familiar faces around the place. 

DK: How do you think the season has started for you lads, a mixed bag of results, but some good performances?

OF: The start has been mixed results wise but really positive in terms of the performances. The detail the lads are trying to implement in games from Manty is a real plus point. 

DK: It must've felt nice to lift some silverware on Tuesday, in an entertaining game for charity?

OF: It’s always nice to win and it’s a good habit to develop. Never a bad time to win silverware and I was glad we could come through a tough game to win it for the club. 

DK: There's a slight feel of disappointment that you lads didn't quite get the win you arguably deserved today, is that how you see it? 

OF: We did deserve to win today having created so many good chances but we could have also lost it at the end. A point is better than none. 

DK: A fourth straight home game for you guys on Saturday, which must feel nice, are you expecting a tough game against Stanway?

OF: Yes, it’s nice to start with some games at home and hopefully we can build on today. I know Stanway have a good reputation so it will be another tough test. 

DK: How impressed have you been with the lads so far, given they're still new to senior football?

OF: I’ve been really impressed with the lads but also not too surprised. Having spoken to Manty I knew he wanted to build a competitive squad for the league. We have a lot to learn as a team but it will happen.

REACTION | Danny Cullum, Brad Smith Post Match Interviews | Needham Market v Trimley Red Devils | 30.07.2024 | Suffolk Champions Charity Cup |

DANNY CULLUM INTERVIEW: 

Goalkeeper and match-winner Danny Cullum reflects on last night's Champions Charity Cup win. 

DK: Congratulations on the win tonight, what did you make of the game?

DC: It was very good game. Very enjoyable. Both teams done very well. And was good to come out winners. 

DK: You're no stranger to silverware, but it must feel nice to win something not long after joining?

DC: Yeah it’s always nice to win silverware at any club. But yeah makes it more special that it was here at Needham, a club that’s isn’t strangers to not winning anything. 

DK: Did you think we deserved to win that tonight?

DC: ⁠Yeah, I think we did, all the young players done very well to maintain their standards in the later stages of the game, and then to go on and win it is something everyone deserved.

DK: A terrific save and penalty from you to ultimately win it, what was going through your mind at those moments?

DC: ⁠After we missed our 5th pen I felt more weight come onto my shoulders. And being a senior player in the team, I felt I needed to step up for the team and produce some magic I say. But after saving and then scoring, my focus ultimately returned to the next spot kick. 

DK: Have you done before in shootouts, taking a penalty? 

DC: No I haven’t to be fair. When I train during the week I always have joke penalty shootouts with the other goalies at town and funny enough today at training we had a penalty shootout which we won. In my mind putting my name down to take a pen doubles my chances of being a hero. 

 

DK: How have you found the full month's games, been a busy schedule for you?

DC: Yeah it has been busy but that’s reason for it, but preseason has gone well so far. Plenty of different challenges which prepares us for an exciting season ahead, a season I look forward to being part of. 

DK: Still got 2 friendlies to go but you must be excited for the competitive games to begin?

DC: I’m buzzing for the 10th. 2 friendlies to go and we kick start the clubs first campaign at step 2 which should be very fun and exciting.

BRAD SMITH INTERVIEW

Defender Brad Smith gives his thoughts on last night's win. 

DK: Congratulations on the win, you must be pleased to have won that nailbiting game?

BS: Yeah it’s a good feeling to be involved in a game like that, end to end and a thriller for the fans to watch 

DK: A superb penalty from you, can you talk us through what you were thinking at the time?

BS: For me I’ve always preferred to strike the ball across goal from a penalty and find the left hand side so I had no doubts that’s where I wanted to go.

DK: A second County Cup win for you at Needham, and one for the first team must make it even more special?

BS: Winning a first team trophy will always be a special feeling as I’ve been at the club since u12s and another county cup to add to the collection is a nice personal note.

DK: Not often you win trophies with your family sponsoring the kit?

BS: Yeah nice to have something personal involved and I’m sure dad will be pleased with that one.

DK: After a tough result Saturday, it must feel even nicer to win tonight?

BS: Yeah it’s a good relief feeling for me and I’m sure the rest of the squad as the step 6 league is something that will always be a real challenge for us as such a young side but games like this help us reach the point we need to be at as a team.